A standard hold is right-hand and at the speeds and heights we fly is defined as having a one-minute outbound leg from abeam the holding facility before commencing the inbound turn (in still air.) The inbound track is also specified.
The holding facility can be an NDB, a VOR, or a defined DME distance on a particular radial from a VOR, or the intersection of two defined VOR radials. Presumably it can also be a VRP if flying in VMC?
If a hold is left-hand, it will always be stated clearly that it is a left-hand hold; otherwise there would be chaos.