diff --git a/nixos/tests/containers-imperative.nix b/nixos/tests/containers-imperative.nix
index 6f86819f4e88ae..782095a09dada1 100644
--- a/nixos/tests/containers-imperative.nix
+++ b/nixos/tests/containers-imperative.nix
@@ -86,6 +86,9 @@ import ./make-test.nix ({ pkgs, ...} : {
       # Execute commands via the root shell.
       $machine->succeed("nixos-container run $id1 -- uname") =~ /Linux/ or die;
 
+      # Execute a nix command via the root shell. (regression test for #40355)
+      $machine->succeed("nixos-container run $id1 -- nix-instantiate -E 'derivation { name = \"empty\"; builder = \"false\"; system = \"false\"; }'");
+
       # Stop and start (regression test for #4989)
       $machine->succeed("nixos-container stop $id1");
       $machine->succeed("nixos-container start $id1");