The extent to which a driver looks to the side of the vehicle changes for given situations. Sometimes a glance at the side mirror, perhaps a sideways movement of the head, other times a full-blown blindspot check. It tends to create a bit of debate amongst driving instructors because there is a degree of ambiguity but let me quote two paragraphs for you from DVSA publications. The first is from "Learning to Drive" where the intended audience is supervisory drivers (friends/family doing private practice):
When turning right in busy traffic, there will be occasions when a blind-area check to the right needs to be made in case a vehicle is attempting to overtake. There may be so much else going on that this check is missed and you may need to look for them.
The second is from DES where the intended audience is the driver:
On occasion it will be necessary to check blind spots while you're on the move. These blind spots will be to either side and shouldn't require you to look round, but rather to give a quick sideways glance. Looking right round to check blind spots on the move is unnecessary and dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds; in the time it takes, you'll lose touch with what's happening in front. Regular and sensible use of the mirrors will keep you up to date with what's happening behind. You will, however, still need to know when a glance into the blind spots is needed.
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