diff --git a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/test_route_table.py b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/test_route_table.py
index 8a8aadc7a..f23d9dc95 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/test_route_table.py
+++ b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/test_route_table.py
@@ -69,9 +69,11 @@ class TestRouteTable(thread_cert.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[LEADER].get_state(), 'leader')
 
         self.nodes[ROUTER1].start()
-        self.nodes[ROUTER2].start()
         self.simulator.go(5)
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[ROUTER1].get_state(), 'router')
+
+        self.nodes[ROUTER2].start()
+        self.simulator.go(5)
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[ROUTER2].get_state(), 'router')
 
         self.simulator.go(100)