diff --git a/internal/server/storage/drivers/driver_zfs.go b/internal/server/storage/drivers/driver_zfs.go
index a600f2a2021..df5b7c5d902 100644
--- a/internal/server/storage/drivers/driver_zfs.go
+++ b/internal/server/storage/drivers/driver_zfs.go
@@ -71,12 +71,6 @@ func (d *zfs) load() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Load the kernel module.
-	err := linux.LoadModule("zfs")
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Error loading %q module: %w", "zfs", err)
-	}
-
 	// Validate the needed tools are present.
 	for _, tool := range []string{"zpool", "zfs"} {
 		_, err := exec.LookPath(tool)
@@ -85,6 +79,12 @@ func (d *zfs) load() error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// Load the kernel module.
+	err := linux.LoadModule("zfs")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("Error loading %q module: %w", "zfs", err)
+	}
+
 	// Get the version information.
 	if zfsVersion == "" {
 		version, err := d.version()