diff --git a/tests/functional/fixed.sh b/tests/functional/fixed.sh
index 2405d059c..d98d4cd15 100644
--- a/tests/functional/fixed.sh
+++ b/tests/functional/fixed.sh
@@ -26,8 +26,10 @@ nix-build fixed.nix -A good2 --no-out-link
 echo 'testing reallyBad...'
 nix-instantiate fixed.nix -A reallyBad && fail "should fail"
 
-echo 'testing fixed with references...'
-expectStderr 1 nix-build fixed.nix -A badReferences | grepQuiet "not allowed to refer to other store paths"
+if isDaemonNewer "2.20pre20240108"; then
+    echo 'testing fixed with references...'
+    expectStderr 1 nix-build fixed.nix -A badReferences | grepQuiet "not allowed to refer to other store paths"
+fi
 
 # While we're at it, check attribute selection a bit more.
 echo 'testing attribute selection...'