Guys, what is the incubation period of oral herpes (HSV-1) and its outbreak symptoms, and what is the best time to get tested after exposure?

After brief Google searches, outbreaks and incubation periods can vary wildly from person to person, from unnoticeable and years later, to immediate and brutal. Results are not reliable as well, as they may be false positive or negative. Some g.p. doctors mentioned that the best way to know is to have an cold sore outbreak, then get a swab test, but wouldn't cold sore already confirm it? Not testing can also significantly increase the spreading of the infection unknowingly.