diff --git a/tests/scripts/update-nvidiadriver.sh b/tests/scripts/update-nvidiadriver.sh
index c60db6560..e95909025 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/update-nvidiadriver.sh
+++ b/tests/scripts/update-nvidiadriver.sh
@@ -50,7 +50,14 @@ test_custom_labels_override() {
     exit 1
   fi
 
-  # The labels override triggers a rollout of all gpu-operator operands, so we wait for the driver upgrade to transition to "upgrade-done" state.
+  # Wait for the operator to update the pod template with new labels
+  sleep 10
+
+  # Delete driver pod to force recreation with updated labels. Labels are applied to the pod template but existing pods are not automatically restarted.
+  echo "Deleting driver pod to trigger recreation with updated labels..."
+  kubectl delete pod -l "app.kubernetes.io/component=nvidia-driver" -n "$TEST_NAMESPACE"
+
+  # Wait for the driver upgrade to transition to "upgrade-done" state
   wait_for_driver_upgrade_done
 
   check_nvidia_driver_pods_ready