diff --git a/neml/drivers.py b/neml/drivers.py
index a8aa4d9a..479b461b 100644
--- a/neml/drivers.py
+++ b/neml/drivers.py
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ def RJ(e_np1):
 def uniaxial_test(model, erate, T = 300.0, emax = 0.05, nsteps = 250,
     sdir = np.array([1,0,0,0,0,0]), verbose = False,
     offset = 0.2/100.0, history = None, tdir = np.array([0,1,0,0,0,0]),
-    check_dmg = False, rtol = 1e-6, atol = 1e-10, miter = 25,
+    check_dmg = False, dtol = 0.75, rtol = 1e-6, atol = 1e-10, miter = 25,
     full_results = False):
   """
     Make a uniaxial stress/strain curve
@@ -403,26 +403,21 @@ def uniaxial_test(model, erate, T = 300.0, emax = 0.05, nsteps = 250,
   if history is not None:
     driver.stored_int[0] = history
 
-  def inc_step(i, einc, ainc):
-    if i == 0:
-      einc, ainc = driver.erate_einc_step(sdir, erate, e_inc, T)
-    else:
-      einc, ainc = driver.erate_einc_step(sdir, erate, e_inc, T,
-          einc_guess = einc, ainc_guess = ainc)
-    return einc, ainc
-
-  einc = None
-  ainc = None
   strain = [0.0]
   stress = [0.0]
   for i in range(nsteps):
-    if not check_dmg:
-      try:
-        einc, ainc = inc_step(i, einc, ainc)
-      except:
-        break
-    else:
-      einc, ainc = inc_step(i, einc, ainc)
+    try:
+      if i == 0:
+        einc, ainc = driver.erate_einc_step(sdir, erate, e_inc, T)
+      else:
+        einc, ainc = driver.erate_einc_step(sdir, erate, e_inc, T,
+            einc_guess = einc, ainc_guess = ainc)
+    except:
+      break
+    if driver.stored_int[-1][-2] > dtol:
+      if check_dmg:
+        raise Exception("Damage check exceeded")
+      break
     strain.append(np.dot(driver.strain_int[-1], sdir))
     stress.append(np.dot(driver.stress_int[-1], sdir))