diff --git a/enrol/database/enrol_database_sync.php b/enrol/database/enrol_database_sync.php
index 39928120bdf..322b1b2395c 100644
--- a/enrol/database/enrol_database_sync.php
+++ b/enrol/database/enrol_database_sync.php
@@ -14,6 +14,12 @@
 
     // ensure errors are well explained
     $CFG->debug=E_ALL;
+
+    if (!is_enabled_enrol('database')) {
+         error_log("Database enrol plugin not enabled!");
+         die;
+    }
+
     // update enrolments -- these handlers should autocreate courses if required
     $enrol = new enrolment_plugin_database();