diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/xlib/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/xlib/default.nix
index b9658f0b4f0a..edb4761af3a8 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/xlib/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/xlib/default.nix
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 , python
 , mock
 , nose
+, pytestCheckHook
 , util-linux
 }:
 
@@ -21,16 +22,24 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
     sha256 = "155p9xhsk01z9vdml74h07svlqy6gljnx9c6qbydcr14lwghwn06";
   };
 
-  checkPhase = ''
-    ${python.interpreter} runtests.py
-  '';
-
-  checkInputs = [ mock nose util-linux /* mcookie */ xorg.xauth xorg.xorgserver /* xvfb */ ];
   nativeBuildInputs = [ setuptools-scm ];
   buildInputs = [ xorg.libX11 ];
   propagatedBuildInputs = [ six ];
 
   doCheck = !stdenv.isDarwin;
+  checkInputs = [
+    pytestCheckHook
+    mock
+    nose
+    util-linux
+    xorg.xauth
+    xorg.xorgserver
+  ];
+
+  disabledTestPaths = [
+    # requires x session
+    "test/test_xlib_display.py"
+  ];
 
   meta = with lib; {
     description = "Fully functional X client library for Python programs";