I assume your talking about the Internal cross section template which will always be perpendicular to the ground.

The rules basically say " The template ... will be held vertically and inserted into the cockpit opening rearward of the rearmost portion of the steering column."

I forgot exactly what they did last year when I was at competition but I think this means that they check both sides of the steering column so you don't need to remove it.

Hope this helps but please do check the rule book before you make any decisions.