The phrase "a testing start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a process or situation that involves evaluation or assessment.
Example: "The project faced a challenging phase, but it ultimately led to a testing start that revealed the team's strengths and weaknesses."
Alternatives: "a challenging beginning" or "an evaluative kickoff".
Manchester United face a testing start to their defence of their Premier League title with an opening day fixture at West Bromwich on 13 August, followed by home games against Tottenham and Arsenal.
Promoted as runners-up, Di Matteo's team have had a testing start to life back among the elite, playing Chelsea, Liverpool and now Spurs in their first four games.
Palmer has endured a testing start to his career, but after an encouraging display at the last race in Hungary – despite a late spin costing him his first point – the British rookie will start from 14th on the grid in the German Grand Prix on Sunday.
Johnson, who was appointed to the post on Wednesday night in the biggest surprise of Theresa May's sweeping reshuffle, has faced a testing start with events in Turkey following the drive-by massacre by a terrorist of 84 people on Thursday night in the French resort of Nice.
Nick Clegg, who replaced him in December, has had a testing start to his reign too.Mr Clegg beat his rival for the job, Chris Huhne (now the party's home-affairs spokesman), by a vanishingly thin margin, which denied him the momentum new leaders often enjoy.
Moyes, 50, replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford in the summer but has had a testing start, with his side in eighth place in the Premier League.
It would be little surprise to see England being led out by someone else against France in early February, with Jamie George's form deserving of a Test start anyway.
Jones doubts the Lions will change their powerplay approach - dubbed "Warrenball" in the Australia media - or that Warburton's Wales open-side rival Justin Tipuric will earn a Test start.
About two weeks before a test, start to review you materials.
Filming has certainly been a test, starting just two weeks after A&E received the finished pilot of "The Beast" last January.
The manufacturing and the installation of the cable have been completed in November 2003, and now preparations of peripheral equipments are proceeding for a test starting in March 2004.
