diff --git a/tests/_iot_zezere_remote.pm b/tests/_iot_zezere_remote.pm
index 5cb44aca..bbc3caf3 100644
--- a/tests/_iot_zezere_remote.pm
+++ b/tests/_iot_zezere_remote.pm
@@ -42,6 +42,10 @@ sub run {
     assert_and_click "zezere_provision_schedule";
     # exit
     quit_firefox;
+    # we don't get back to a prompt instantly and keystrokes while X
+    # is still shutting down are swallowed, so be careful
+    assert_screen "root_console";
+    wait_still_screen 5;
     # time before the provision request goes through is kinda hard to
     # predict, so we'll just try over and over for up to 10 minutes
     # and bail as soon as it works