diff --git a/test/functional/feature_llmq_simplepose.py b/test/functional/feature_llmq_simplepose.py
index f4cab59429..44da01d7c0 100755
--- a/test/functional/feature_llmq_simplepose.py
+++ b/test/functional/feature_llmq_simplepose.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ class LLMQSimplePoSeTest(DashTestFramework):
         self.test_no_banning()
 
         # Lets restart masternodes with closed ports and verify that they get banned even though they are connected to other MNs (via outbound connections)
-        self.test_banning(self.close_mn_port, 3)
+        self.test_banning(self.close_mn_port)
         self.deaf_mns.clear()
 
         self.repair_masternodes(True)
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ class LLMQSimplePoSeTest(DashTestFramework):
 
         return new_quorum
 
-    def test_banning(self, invalidate_proc, expected_connections):
+    def test_banning(self, invalidate_proc, expected_connections=None):
         mninfos_online = self.mninfo.copy()
         mninfos_valid = self.mninfo.copy()
         expected_contributors = len(mninfos_online)
@@ -173,11 +173,13 @@ class LLMQSimplePoSeTest(DashTestFramework):
             # NOTE: Min PoSe penalty is 100 (see CDeterministicMNList::CalcMaxPoSePenalty()),
             # so nodes are PoSe-banned in the same DKG they misbehave without being PoSe-punished first.
             if instant_ban:
+                assert expected_connections is not None
                 self.reset_probe_timeouts()
                 self.mine_quorum(expected_connections=expected_connections, expected_members=expected_contributors, expected_contributions=expected_contributors, expected_complaints=expected_complaints, expected_commitments=expected_contributors, mninfos_online=mninfos_online, mninfos_valid=mninfos_valid)
             else:
                 # It's ok to miss probes/quorum connections up to 5 times.
                 # 6th time is when it should be banned for sure.
+                assert expected_connections is None
                 for _ in range(6):
                     self.reset_probe_timeouts()
                     self.mine_quorum_less_checks(expected_contributors - 1, mninfos_online)