diff --git a/tests/conftest.py b/tests/conftest.py
index a4d8ecb9e3..36189dbd22 100644
--- a/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/conftest.py
@@ -158,6 +158,9 @@ def __init__(self, name=None, keeptb=False, fakeplatform=None):
         self.alld  = self.basicd + self.swssd + self.syncd + self.rtd + self.teamd
         self.client = docker.from_env()
 
+        if subprocess.check_call(["/sbin/modprobe", "team"]) != 0:
+            raise NameError("cannot install kernel team module")
+
         self.ctn = None
         if keeptb:
             self.cleanup = False