diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index cd6ab872..87cc9916 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -40,13 +40,17 @@ jobs:
           sudo apt-get update
           sudo apt-get install -y mysql-server
 
+          # Ensure the MySQL service is started
+          sudo service mysql start
+          sudo service mysql status
+
+          # Wait for MySQL service to be fully ready
+          sleep 10
+
           # Set root password and allow password-based root access
           sudo mysql -e "ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'root_password';"
           sudo mysql -e "FLUSH PRIVILEGES;"
 
-          # Start MySQL service
-          sudo service mysql start
-
           # Create database and user
           mysql -u root -proot_password -e 'CREATE DATABASE edx_notes_api;'
           mysql -u root -proot_password -e "CREATE USER 'notes001'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'secret';"