diff --git a/tests/files/debian13-calico.yml b/tests/files/debian13-calico.yml
index e9f3cc446..29d7909f1 100644
--- a/tests/files/debian13-calico.yml
+++ b/tests/files/debian13-calico.yml
@@ -7,3 +7,7 @@ gateway_api_enabled: true
 
 dns_mode: coredns_dual
 kube_asymmetric_encryption_algorithm: "RSA-3072"
+
+# Test download/container images pre-loading
+
+k8s_image_pull_policy: Never
diff --git a/tests/files/fedora42-calico.yml b/tests/files/fedora42-calico.yml
index bd2b577b5..40ec3b955 100644
--- a/tests/files/fedora42-calico.yml
+++ b/tests/files/fedora42-calico.yml
@@ -7,3 +7,7 @@ auto_renew_certificates: true
 
 # Test with SELinux in enforcing mode
 preinstall_selinux_state: enforcing
+
+# Test that download/container did pre-load the image on the nodes
+
+k8s_image_pull_policy: Never