diff --git a/nixos/tests/novacomd.nix b/nixos/tests/novacomd.nix
index 2b56aee0a2e7..4eb60c0feb5c 100644
--- a/nixos/tests/novacomd.nix
+++ b/nixos/tests/novacomd.nix
@@ -9,12 +9,16 @@ import ./make-test.nix ({ pkgs, ...} : {
   };
 
   testScript = ''
-    startAll;
+    $machine->waitForUnit("multi-user.target");
 
+    # multi-user.target wants novacomd.service, but let's make sure
     $machine->waitForUnit("novacomd.service");
 
     # Check status and try connecting with novacom
     $machine->succeed("systemctl status novacomd.service >&2");
+    # to prevent non-deterministic failure,
+    # make sure the daemon is really listening
+    $machine->waitForOpenPort(6968);
     $machine->succeed("novacom -l");
 
     # Stop the daemon, double-check novacom fails if daemon isn't working
@@ -23,6 +27,8 @@ import ./make-test.nix ({ pkgs, ...} : {
 
     # And back again for good measure
     $machine->startJob("novacomd");
+    # make sure the daemon is really listening
+    $machine->waitForOpenPort(6968);
     $machine->succeed("novacom -l");
   '';
 })