diff --git a/python/qemu/machine.py b/python/qemu/machine.py
index 49445e675b..128a3d1dc2 100644
--- a/python/qemu/machine.py
+++ b/python/qemu/machine.py
@@ -329,13 +329,14 @@ class QEMUMachine(object):
         self._load_io_log()
         self._post_shutdown()
 
-    def shutdown(self):
+    def shutdown(self, has_quit=False):
         """
         Terminate the VM and clean up
         """
         if self.is_running():
             try:
-                self._qmp.cmd('quit')
+                if not has_quit:
+                    self._qmp.cmd('quit')
                 self._qmp.close()
             except:
                 self._popen.kill()
diff --git a/tests/qemu-iotests/255 b/tests/qemu-iotests/255
index 49433ec122..3632d507d0 100755
--- a/tests/qemu-iotests/255
+++ b/tests/qemu-iotests/255
@@ -132,4 +132,4 @@ with iotests.FilePath('src.qcow2') as src_path, \
     vm.qmp_log('block-job-cancel', device='job0')
     vm.qmp_log('quit')
 
-    vm.shutdown()
+    vm.shutdown(has_quit=True)