diff --git a/.github/workflows/tests.yml b/.github/workflows/tests.yml
index 9f7c06f31..343805182 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/tests.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/tests.yml
@@ -215,9 +215,9 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           covalent db migrate
           if [ "${{ matrix.backend }}" = 'dask' ] ; then
-            covalent start
-          elif [ "${{ matrix.backend }}" = 'local' ] ; then
             covalent start -d
+          elif [ "${{ matrix.backend }}" = 'local' ] ; then
+            covalent start -d --no-cluster
           else
             echo "Invalid backend specified in test matrix."
             exit 1