diff --git a/modules/python/test/test.py b/modules/python/test/test.py
index aac5d74270..249a354636 100755
--- a/modules/python/test/test.py
+++ b/modules/python/test/test.py
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import print_function
 
+import sys
+sys.dont_write_bytecode = True  # Don't generate .pyc files / __pycache__ directories
+
 import os
 import unittest