A Republican-sponsored state Senate bill cleared Wednesday its first committee step toward allowing the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles to hire third-party contractors for providing driver's education road tests. Senate Bill 69 also would shorten from six to three months how long a driver's license permit holder would have to wait before being able to drive between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The bill would strike a requirement that only the DMV can provide a road test for those ages 16 and 17 years old. The bill passed the Transportation committee and now goes to Commerce and Insurance. Among the three primary sponsors is Sen. Vickie Sawyer, R-Yadkin. The bill would become effective immediately if signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper.