Hi Scherzo,
Extract from UK CAA Standards Doc 01A v6:
Notes for the Guidance of Applicants taking the Initial Instrument Rating Skill Test (Aeroplanes)
page 10 (my bold):
3.6.13 The execution of an en-route hold required by ATC will be assessed but will not negate the requirement for a hold at the destination facility and may not be substituted. A holding pattern will be required in either normal or asymmetric aeroplane configuration.
The holding pattern should be conducted using a 'needle' instrument presentation from either an NDB or a VOR.
However: note the use of 'should'. The intro to the document states:
1.5 Throughout these notes the following editorial practices and definitions shall apply:
• "Shall" and "Must” are used to indicate a mandatory requirement.
• "Expect" and "Should" are used to indicate strong obligation.
• "May" is used to indicate discretion.
• "Examiner" is used to indicate a person who is authorised by the CAA to conduct the appropriate skill test.
• "Applicant" is used to indicate a person who is seeking the issue or renewal of a pilot’s licence or rating.
• A Skill Test is a demonstration of skill for the initial licence issue, licence renewal, rating issue or rating renewal. Such tests include oral examination and flight test as appropriate.
• "He/She". The pronoun 'he' is used throughout for ease of reading.
I suppose that means that the examiner is under a strong obligation to to arrange the flight so that a holding pattern based on a needle may be assessed, but if that's not possible then he/she has discretion to assess the hold using other displays.
The full document is available here:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG_FCL_01.PDF
Good luck!
Eck