I think it’s human nature and a bit of correct tension that allows us to face a new task. Once we have achieved it we can pass on from experience what the task was like. For example rap sailing. I was terrified but the people at the bottom assured me it was OK. When I got to the bottom I felt fantastic (that I was still alive). But no, it was not OK, it was horrible. With a test no one can really tell you how it was because each of our learning levels are different. But in general I have found most report backs on tests to be correct. If they said it was easy it was, if they said it is tricky it was. So there is a grain of truth in it.