Stephanie Bakalar
Stephanie has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
1384 articles by Stephanie
Four-Way Stop Rules in Nova Scotia: Who Goes First?
Where to stop at a Nova Scotia stop sign, whom to yield to, and who goes first when two drivers arrive together, under the rules in force from October 19, 2026.
Ontario Foreign Driving Experience Credit: July 1, 2026 Rule
How Ontario's July 1, 2026 rule credits up to 12 months of foreign driving experience, the authentication letter, and when you can take the G2 road test.
Arkansas School Bus Stop Law: When to Stop and the 20-Foot Median Rule
When must you stop for a school bus in Arkansas? Stop for red flashing lights in any lane unless a median 20 feet or wider separates you. See fines and points.
Do You Have to Stop for a School Bus in B.C.? Rules, Fine, Points
When you must stop for a school bus in British Columbia, who else has to stop, when you can go again, and the fine and points for not stopping.
Maine Permit Test in Other Languages: 2026 Interpreter Rules
Since February 1, 2026, Maine splits the knowledge test by language: a computer test with no interpreter, or a BMV interpreter. See which path fits you.
Nova Scotia Roundabout and Rotary Rules: Who Yields and How to Exit
In a Nova Scotia roundabout or rotary, the entering driver yields. Drive counterclockwise and exit from the right lane. See the exceptions and cyclist rules.
Arkansas Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Arkansas? The first driver to arrive, after a full stop. See roundabout, left-turn and no-sign rules and the 3 points.
How to Get an Illinois Instruction Permit: Age 15 Steps (2026)
You can start at age 15 with a parent's consent. See the steps, the $20 fee, the vision and written tests, and who can ride with you on an Illinois permit.
How to Get a Class 5L Learner Licence in Manitoba (2026 Steps)
How to get a Manitoba Class 5L learner licence: the age rule, parent consent, the steps, the cost, medical checks and the 9 months before the road test.
Missouri Instruction Permit at 15: Steps, Cost and Who Can Ride With You
At 15 you can get a Missouri Class F instruction permit for $10. See the two steps, what a parent signs, and who may ride with you under 16 and at 16 or older.
How Much Does the G1 Test Cost in Ontario? Fees and Payment
The Ontario G1 package costs CAD 159.75 and covers your knowledge test, first G2 road test and a five-year licence. See extra test fees and how to pay.
Illinois Driver's License Fees: Permit and License Cost (2026)
An Illinois instruction permit costs $20 and a license costs $30 for most adults. See fees by age, duplicate and reinstatement costs, and when it is free.