Oliver's first professional racing experience began in 1986 when he and his father M.K.Tan partnered in the grueling 3500km Hong Kong to Beijing China Rally. "Once Bitten Forever Smitten", Oliver's natural driving style catapulted him into professional single-seater Formula Racing in Europe. He took the wheel in Formula Ford racing, progressed to Formula Renault, and eventually graduating to the International Formula Three Championship racing against famous names like David Coulthard (Red Bull Racing), Rubens Barrichello (Toyota F1) and Gil de Ferran (former IRL Champion).