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
California Permit Test: How Many Questions and What Score to Pass
The California permit test is multiple choice with a passing score of 80%. See what it covers, how many attempts you get and how to study with DMV sample tests.
Alabama School Bus Stop Law and Who Goes First at a 4-Way Stop
Stop for a school bus from both directions unless a divided-highway exception applies. Learn the fines, the 4-way stop order and Alabama roundabout rules.
Arkansas Cell Phone Law for Drivers Under 18 and Under 21
Can you use your phone while driving in Arkansas at 16, 18 or 21? See the rules by age, what counts as an emergency, the fines and the work zone rule.
Colorado 2027 Driver's Ed Change (HB24-1021): Who Needs 30 Hours
Colorado changes its driver education rules for permit applicants under 21 on January 1, 2027. See who needs the 30-hour course and who can take 4 hours.
Connecticut Right-of-Way Rules: Four-Way Stops, Roundabouts, Left Turns
Who goes first at a Connecticut four-way stop, in a roundabout and on a left turn? Learn the yield rules from the Driver's Manual for the test and the road.
Florida Move Over Law: Change Lanes or Slow to 20 MPH Below the Limit
Florida's Move Over Law covers more than police cars. See which vehicles it protects, when to change lanes, how slow to go, and the fine and points.
Georgia Roundabout Rules: How to Enter, Yield and Exit
Georgia roundabout rules: how to enter, who yields, how to pick a lane, and how to share the circle with pedestrians, cyclists and large trucks.
Hawaii School Bus and Roundabout Rules: Who Stops or Yields
In Hawaii, stop for a school bus that has stopped with red lamps flashing if you are in its lane or a lane next to it. In a roundabout, yield before you enter.
Idaho Stop Law for Bicycles: Stop Signs, Red Lights and Drivers
Idaho bicyclists may slow and yield at a stop sign, and must stop at a red light. See what the law says, and what drivers must do near bicycles.
Illinois Roundabout Rules: How to Enter, Yield and Exit
Drive counter-clockwise, slow down, enter by turning right and yield to all traffic. See the Illinois steps for entering, choosing a lane and exiting.
Plastic Bumper Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Cheaper?
Which costs less, bumper repair or replacement? See CAD and USD prices with their years, what sensors add and how to compare two quotes.
Why Aluminum Collision Repair Needs the Right Tools, Training, and Space
Aluminum work-hardens, its dust can burn and steel particles corrode it. See the tools, the separate work area and the questions to ask.