diff --git a/geos_ats_package/geos_ats/test_steps.py b/geos_ats_package/geos_ats/test_steps.py
index ed0409a..7f09908 100644
--- a/geos_ats_package/geos_ats/test_steps.py
+++ b/geos_ats_package/geos_ats/test_steps.py
@@ -421,6 +421,9 @@ def __init__( self, restartcheck_params=None, curvecheck_params=None, **kw ):
             if restartcheck_params is not None:
                 self.checksteps.append( restartcheck( restartcheck_params, **kw ) )
 
+        if not self.checksteps:
+            raise Exception( f'This test does not have a restart or curve check enabled: {self.p.deck}' )
+
     def label( self ):
         return "geos"