Sounds like the Fail was correct.

1st Gear should ONLY be used to initially pull away. Normally I change up to 2nd within a few seconds of starting to move. Well except for on Friday when my Clutch cable broke, luckily within 2K of my house so I managed to restart the bike in 1st and limped home slowly.

You can NEVER look to often when on a Bike (or a car for that matter). You should always make a final check before executing the manouver.

Sounds like you are close to passing, so you should give it another go.