diff --git a/test/test_query.py b/test/test_query.py
index 0254fbad5..66d580a1a 100644
--- a/test/test_query.py
+++ b/test/test_query.py
@@ -75,7 +75,6 @@ class QueryParseTest(unittest.TestCase):
         r = ('year', '1999-2001', beets.library.YearQuery)
         self.assertEqual(pqp(q), r)
 
-
 class AnyFieldQueryTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         self.lib = beets.library.Library(':memory:')
@@ -258,6 +257,10 @@ class GetTest(unittest.TestCase, AssertsMixin):
         self.assert_matched(results, 'Boracay')
         self.assert_done(results)
 
+    def test_bad_year(self):
+        q = 'year:delete from items'
+        self.assertRaises(ValueError, self.lib.items, q)
+
 class MemoryGetTest(unittest.TestCase, AssertsMixin):
     def setUp(self):
         self.album_item = _common.item()