Method for testing a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) in which test data packets with varying power levels are transmitted to the DUT for testing the DUT while still ensuring that the DUT remains in receive (RX) mode and is prevented from searching for another data packet signal. Alternatively, in the event that the DUT becomes unresponsive due to searching for another data packet signal, multiple test data packets with sufficient signal power levels to ensure reception by the DUT are transmitted to the DUT to cause the DUT to cease searching for another data packet signal and return to RX mode.