diff --git a/unittests/test_datectrl.py b/unittests/test_datectrl.py
index 9621030a..f354484b 100644
--- a/unittests/test_datectrl.py
+++ b/unittests/test_datectrl.py
@@ -7,19 +7,28 @@ import wx.adv
 
 class datectrl_Tests(wtc.WidgetTestCase):
 
+    def tearDown(self):
+        '''
+        Destroying the date picker early helps WidgetTestCase's tearDown to
+        run smoothly and avoid "R6025 - pure virtual function call".
+
+        '''
+        self.dp.Destroy()
+        super(datectrl_Tests, self).tearDown()
+
     def test_datectrl1(self):
-        dp = wx.adv.DatePickerCtrl(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
+        self.dp = wx.adv.DatePickerCtrl(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
 
     def test_datectrl2(self):
-        dp = wx.adv.DatePickerCtrl()
-        dp.Create(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
+        self.dp = wx.adv.DatePickerCtrl()
+        self.dp.Create(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
 
     def test_genericdatectrl1(self):
-        dp = wx.adv.GenericDatePickerCtrl(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
+        self.dp = wx.adv.GenericDatePickerCtrl(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
 
     def test_genericdatectrl2(self):
-        dp = wx.adv.GenericDatePickerCtrl()
-        dp.Create(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
+        self.dp = wx.adv.GenericDatePickerCtrl()
+        self.dp.Create(self.frame, dt=wx.DateTime.Now())
 
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------------------