diff --git a/astroplan/tests/test_utils.py b/astroplan/tests/test_utils.py
index <HASH>..<HASH> 100644
--- a/astroplan/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/astroplan/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -1,3 +1,31 @@
 # Licensed under a 3-clause BSD style license - see LICENSE.rst
 from __future__ import (absolute_import, division, print_function,
                         unicode_literals)
+
+from astropy import units as u
+from astropy.time import Time
+from astropy.tests.helper import remote_data
+from astropy.utils.data import clear_download_cache
+from astropy.utils import iers
+
+from ..utils import download_IERS_A, IERS_A_in_cache
+from ..exceptions import OldEarthOrientationDataWarning
+
+@remote_data
+def test_iers_download(monkeypatch, recwarn):
+    # the monkeypatch is here to undo the changes that importing astroplan does
+    # if the IERS A tables already exist
+    monkeypatch.setattr(iers.IERS_A, 'iers_table', None)
+
+    if IERS_A_in_cache():
+        clear_download_cache(iers.IERS_A_URL)
+
+    # first make sure a future time gives a warning with IERS A missing
+    nowplusoneyear = Time.now() + 1*u.year
+    nowplusoneyear.ut1
+    recwarn.pop(OldEarthOrientationDataWarning)
+
+    download_IERS_A()
+
+    #now test that it actually works post-IERS A download:
+    nowplusoneyear.ut1
add test for failure of post download_IERS_A IERS A usage