Without using the 16 Hour Rule, how many consecutive hours can a driver drive a commercial vehicle?

The correct answer is 14 hours. In commercial driving, regulations allow a driver to operate a vehicle for a maximum of 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty, provided they did not drive during the previous 8 hours. This is part of the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which manage driving hours to ensure safety on the roads.

The 14-hour rule is crucial because it allows drivers to maximize their time on the road while also ensuring they take necessary rest periods. Therefore, after the 14 hours of driving, drivers must take a mandatory rest period, which helps reduce fatigue and the risk of accidents.

In contrast to the other options, 10 hours refers to the maximum driving time within a particular segment rather than the total allowable drive time in a day, and 12 hours exceeds the standard operational limits. The 16-hour period includes potential on-duty activities besides driving, which fundamentally alters the context of the question focused on driving alone.