Don't know anybody personally that has failed to get one issued. But then again, I don't know anybody with a DUI who has applied.
As for your options, the short answer is that No fit and proper = No License.
Having said that, a DUI will not automatically disqualify you from being classed as fit and proper. As I understand it, it is done on a case by case basis.
Vector Article on FPP
Your best bet is to probably send in
the form before you do anything else... they don't charge you to process it and that way you'll know whether or not getting issued a license is possible before you spend large amounts of fun tickets...
It's "valid" for 24 months, and getting it 're-issued' is basically signing
a declaration form saying "nothing has changed since I did the last one"