diff --git a/tests/test_iers_download_disabled.py b/tests/test_iers_download_disabled.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1be41769
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_iers_download_disabled.py
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+from astropy.utils import iers
+import imsim
+
+def test_iers_download_disabled():
+    assert not iers.conf.auto_download
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    test_iers_download_disabled()