Just before; immediately prior to an event or moment — indicates the timing right before something happens.
試験直前はあまり新しいことを覚えようとしない方がいい。
Right before an exam, it's better not to try to learn many new things.
出発の直前に雨が降り始めた。
It started to rain just before departure.
彼が到着する直前に電話が鳴った。
The phone rang just before he arrived.
Right in front of; immediately in front of something — used spatially to indicate standing or being directly before another object.
建物の直前に大きな交差点がある。
There is a large intersection right in front of the building.
舞台の直前に観客が座っている。
The audience is seated right in front of the stage.