diff --git a/selfdrive/pandad/tests/test_pandad_loopback.py b/selfdrive/pandad/tests/test_pandad_loopback.py
index bf1c557128..727f43dbda 100644
--- a/selfdrive/pandad/tests/test_pandad_loopback.py
+++ b/selfdrive/pandad/tests/test_pandad_loopback.py
@@ -40,6 +40,11 @@ def setup_pandad(num_pandas):
   safety_config.safetyModel = car.CarParams.SafetyModel.allOutput
   cp.safetyConfigs = [safety_config]*num_pandas
 
+  pm = messaging.PubMaster(["deviceState"])
+  device_state = messaging.new_message("deviceState")
+  device_state.deviceState.started = True
+  pm.send("deviceState", device_state)
+
   params.put_bool("IsOnroad", True)
   params.put_bool("FirmwareQueryDone", True)
   params.put_bool("ControlsReady", True)