diff --git a/tests/test_deltaRCM_driver.py b/tests/test_deltaRCM_driver.py
index c9697f23..ea7c2408 100644
--- a/tests/test_deltaRCM_driver.py
+++ b/tests/test_deltaRCM_driver.py
@@ -20,8 +20,11 @@ def test_init():
     assert delta._is_finalized == False
 
 
+delta = pyDeltaRCM(input_file=os.path.join(os.getcwd(), 'tests', 'test.yaml'))
+
+
 def test_update():
-    delta = pyDeltaRCM(input_file=os.path.join(os.getcwd(), 'tests', 'test.yaml'))
+    
     delta.update()
     assert delta._time == 1.0
     assert delta._is_finalized == False