Drive time is prime time for radio broadcasting. It consists of the morning hours when listeners wake up, get ready, and head to work or school, and the afternoon hours when they are heading home and before their evening meal. These are the periods where the number of listeners is highest and commercial radio can charge the most for advertising.

The exact times vary: morning drive-times typically include 6-9 a.m.; afternoon drive-times typically include 3-7 p.m.