| ROADTESTS | Trials started, so must go badly |
| VAST | Very big victory as simulated trials started |
| TESLA | City trial started and didn't finish for inventor |
| ROADTEST | Trial started off in the middle of October? Just the opposite! (4-4) |
| RUNOFF | Sporting event has started, so go away |
| EASED | Lent hasn't started, so relaxed |
| VENTS | Contests haven't started, so escapes (5) |
| IVE | "___ started so I'll finish", Mastermind catchphrase (3) |
| HOTSPUR | Fiery person badly hurt, so must keep quiet |
| VISITATION | Violet hardly started, so Titian splashed around - quite an ordeal (10) |
| OBSERVE | Notice work hasn't started, then assist |
| CHARISMA | The cleaner is attracting mother, so must have this (8) |
| MALTHUS | Maiden given a pound, so must become an economist (7) |
| CUSTOMS | Conservative, primarily, so must get working for established behaviours |
| EXIT | Tore cravat around ten, so must leave (4) |
| SORROWFULNESS | Flowers, urns so must be time of grief (13) |
| ODYSSEAN | Like a long journey? Yes, and so must get moving |
| TROWEL | Gets plastered easily so must use the right towel (6) |
| DISCOURSE | Conversation is crude so must be changed |
| OVERSEEN | Viewed too much, so must be supervised (8) |
