diff --git a/backend/tests/test_auth.py b/backend/tests/test_auth.py
index fb79b81..f811cd3 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_auth.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_auth.py
@@ -1,9 +1,14 @@
 # tests/test_auth.py
 
+import pytest
 from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
 from backend.main import app
 
-client = TestClient(app)
+
+@pytest.fixture(scope="module")
+def client():
+    with TestClient(app) as test_client:  # ensures lifespan/startup executes
+        yield test_client
 
 
 def test_login_success():