diff --git a/tests/Makefile.am b/tests/Makefile.am
index 2fdaace96e..60d322dfe6 100644
--- a/tests/Makefile.am
+++ b/tests/Makefile.am
@@ -244,6 +244,7 @@ TESTS_ENVIRONMENT =				\
   PATH="$(path_add)$(PATH_SEPARATOR)$$PATH"	\
   SHELL="$(SHELL)"				\
   LIBVIRT_DRIVER_DIR="$(abs_top_builddir)/src/.libs" \
+  LIBVIRT_AUTOSTART=0				\
   LC_ALL=C					\
   $(VG)