diff --git a/service_vm/test_apk/src/java/com/android/virt/rkpd/vm_attestation/testapp/RkpdVmAttestationTest.java b/service_vm/test_apk/src/java/com/android/virt/rkpd/vm_attestation/testapp/RkpdVmAttestationTest.java
index 678e56f..f456cb4 100644
--- a/service_vm/test_apk/src/java/com/android/virt/rkpd/vm_attestation/testapp/RkpdVmAttestationTest.java
+++ b/service_vm/test_apk/src/java/com/android/virt/rkpd/vm_attestation/testapp/RkpdVmAttestationTest.java
@@ -95,6 +95,11 @@
         if (mGki == null) {
             // We don't need this permission to use the microdroid kernel.
             revokePermission(VirtualMachine.USE_CUSTOM_VIRTUAL_MACHINE_PERMISSION);
+        } else {
+            // The permission is needed to use the GKI kernel.
+            // Granting the permission is needed as the microdroid kernel test setup
+            // can revoke the permission before the GKI kernel test.
+            grantPermission(VirtualMachine.USE_CUSTOM_VIRTUAL_MACHINE_PERMISSION);
         }
         prepareTestSetup(true /* protectedVm */, mGki);
         setMaxPerformanceTaskProfile();