diff --git a/cinder/test.py b/cinder/test.py
index eedaf4fdc8d..9c9fae73173 100644
--- a/cinder/test.py
+++ b/cinder/test.py
@@ -233,6 +233,8 @@ class TestCase(testtools.TestCase):
         # clear out the cache.
         sqla_api._GET_METHODS = {}
 
+        self.override_config('backend_url', 'file://' + lock_path,
+                             group='coordination')
         coordination.COORDINATOR.start()
         self.addCleanup(coordination.COORDINATOR.stop)