diff --git a/pkgs/tools/package-management/nix/unstable.nix b/pkgs/tools/package-management/nix/unstable.nix
index a55c052b32c..c613f2f63f9 100644
--- a/pkgs/tools/package-management/nix/unstable.nix
+++ b/pkgs/tools/package-management/nix/unstable.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation {
     --disable-init-state
   '';
 
+  doCheck = true;
+
   meta = {
     description = "The Nix Deployment System";
     homepage = http://nixos.org/;