diff --git a/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py b/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
index 4d14412fde..520eff0c42 100644
--- a/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
@@ -8907,7 +8907,7 @@ Also, ignores heartbeats not from our target system'''
             else:
                 self.progress("Force-rebooting SITL")
                 self.zero_throttle()
-                self.reboot_sitl() # that'll learn it
+                self.reboot_sitl(startup_location_dist_max=1000000) # that'll learn it
             passed = False
         elif ardupilot_alive and not passed:  # implicit reboot after a failed test:
             self.progress("Test failed but ArduPilot process alive; rebooting")