diff --git a/autotests/util/iwd.py b/autotests/util/iwd.py
index a9df0dca..a9e2f2f5 100755
--- a/autotests/util/iwd.py
+++ b/autotests/util/iwd.py
@@ -519,7 +519,8 @@ class Device(IWDDBusAbstract):
         IWD._wait_for_object_condition(self, condition)
 
         try:
-            if full_scan:
+            # Do a full scan if instructed or if hostapd isn't being used
+            if full_scan or not ctx.hostapd:
                 self.scan()
             else:
                 self.debug_scan(ctx.get_frequencies())