diff --git a/IPython/core/tests/test_history.py b/IPython/core/tests/test_history.py
index 1ec2852..c08156b 100644
--- a/IPython/core/tests/test_history.py
+++ b/IPython/core/tests/test_history.py
@@ -136,6 +136,8 @@ def test_history():
         finally:
             # Ensure saving thread is shut down before we try to clean up the files
             ip.history_manager.save_thread.stop()
+            # Forcibly close database rather than relying on garbage collection
+            ip.history_manager.db.close()
             # Restore history manager
             ip.history_manager = hist_manager_ori