diff --git a/spring-boot-test-autoconfigure/src/main/java/org/springframework/boot/test/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/TestDatabaseAutoConfiguration.java b/spring-boot-test-autoconfigure/src/main/java/org/springframework/boot/test/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/TestDatabaseAutoConfiguration.java
index 3805ed1401..560aa3a5da 100644
--- a/spring-boot-test-autoconfigure/src/main/java/org/springframework/boot/test/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/TestDatabaseAutoConfiguration.java
+++ b/spring-boot-test-autoconfigure/src/main/java/org/springframework/boot/test/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/TestDatabaseAutoConfiguration.java
@@ -186,6 +186,10 @@ public class TestDatabaseAutoConfiguration {
 			if (EmbeddedDatabaseConnection.NONE.equals(connection)) {
 				connection = EmbeddedDatabaseConnection.get(getClass().getClassLoader());
 			}
+			Assert.state(connection != EmbeddedDatabaseConnection.NONE,
+					"Cannot determine embedded database for tests. If you want "
+							+ "an embedded database please put a supported one "
+							+ "on the classpath.");
 			return new EmbeddedDatabaseBuilder().setType(connection.getType()).build();
 		}