What is the maximum number of hours a driver is legally allowed to drive before taking their mandatory 10-hour break according to DOT standards?

The maximum number of hours a driver is legally allowed to drive before taking their mandatory 10-hour break, according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, is 11 hours. This regulation is part of the Hours of Service (HOS) rules that are designed to ensure that commercial drivers do not become fatigued while on the road.

Under these regulations, a driver can be on duty for a total of 14 hours in a day, during which they can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after taking off-duty time. This structure is intended to help maintain safety on the road by enforcing maximum driving limits and requiring sufficient rest breaks, specifically a mandatory 10-hour consecutive off-duty period to rest and recuperate before the next driving shift.

The other listed options either indicate incorrect driving hours or extended duty periods that don't align with the established HOS regulations. Thus, the selection of 11 hours for driving before a mandatory break is accurate and compliant with DOT standards.