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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioDrive Time

CTV, Video & Audio

Drive Time

Radio's most-listened dayparts, roughly 6–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. on weekdays, when commuters listen in cars.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Drive time refers to radio's most-listened dayparts, roughly 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, when many commuters listen in their cars. Because these periods deliver the largest audiences, advertising during drive time is typically priced higher than in other radio dayparts such as midday or evenings.