diff --git a/drivers/parport/share.c b/drivers/parport/share.c
index 7b4ee33c1935..96538b7975e5 100644
--- a/drivers/parport/share.c
+++ b/drivers/parport/share.c
@@ -266,9 +266,6 @@ static int port_check(struct device *dev, void *dev_drv)
 int __parport_register_driver(struct parport_driver *drv, struct module *owner,
 			      const char *mod_name)
 {
-	if (list_empty(&portlist))
-		get_lowlevel_driver();
-
 	if (drv->devmodel) {
 		/* using device model */
 		int ret;
@@ -292,6 +289,8 @@ int __parport_register_driver(struct parport_driver *drv, struct module *owner,
 
 		drv->devmodel = false;
 
+		if (list_empty(&portlist))
+			get_lowlevel_driver();
 		mutex_lock(&registration_lock);
 		list_for_each_entry(port, &portlist, list)
 			drv->attach(port);