A man from Gatineau, Que., is facing a $3,500 fine and 22 demerit points after leading police on a high-speed chase Tuesday night with only a learner's permit.

The police chase ended after the motorcyclist lost control and crashed. (CBC) The chase began at about 10 p.m. ET when officers with the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais spotted a motorcyclist driving erratically along Highway 50 without licence plates.

The officers started to pursue him and the motorcyclist sped away, reaching a top speed of about 185 km/h, which forced officers to temporarily call off their chase for safety reasons.

After Gatineau police were called in, the motorcyclist went the wrong way on a highway exit, lost control and crashed, police said.

He escaped without injury and police discovered he had a learner's permit.

His licence has been suspended for seven days, and the motorcycle has been impounded for 30 days.

Besides the fine and demerit points, the motorcyclist faces charges including evading police and dangerous driving.