The DVLA extended an 11 month extension to driving licence renewals between certain dates. But there is no automatic renewal and it is beholden on the driver to renew their licence within the 11 month extension period. With the Covid hiatus it could be all to easy to forget. The DVLA link is below.
https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence
https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence