The approach plate has all the information you need.

Find your initial approach point (IAP) and follow the lines to the runway. If you aren't authorized to do a procedure turn, the approach plate will tell you.

If ATC doesn't want you to do a procedure turn, they will tell you.

If you don't want to do a procedure turn, ask for vectors.

As for which side you do the procedure turn on, it has to be in the direction depicted on the approach plate. How far do you go out on the outbound leg, usually about 1 to 1.5 mins accounting for wind and groundspeed. You never want to go outside the protected area, which is based on a fix depicted on the approach plate.

Also, don't make up your procedure turn unless you are VFR and their is absolutely no know traffic in the area. The procedure turn is in a certain direction for a reason. Comply with it and you live.

Finally, if you need to brush up on you instrument proficiency skills, I recommend visiting this website. I found the information terrific. Here is the link: IFR Training.

Jeffrey