You or anyone you give permission to, can check your driving licence details.
If like me, you are awaiting the return of your licence, providing you are sure there’s no reason to refuse your licence renewal, you can continue to drive under section 88.
Try this link:
gov.uk/view-driving-licence
I did, but it only said my current entitlement had expired, didn’t say that my new application was being processed, but when I 'phoned they did confirm my application was in the process queue and I could continue to drive under section 88 until my licence was returned or I heard from them otherwise.