diff --git a/anki/sched.py b/anki/sched.py
index 9622b1151..3be7fb1cf 100644
--- a/anki/sched.py
+++ b/anki/sched.py
@@ -542,7 +542,11 @@ did = ? and queue = 3 and due <= ? limit ?""",
         try:
             delay = conf['delays'][-left]
         except IndexError:
-            delay = conf['delays'][0]
+            if conf['delays']:
+                delay = conf['delays'][0]
+            else:
+                # user deleted final step; use dummy value
+                delay = 1
         return delay*60
 
     def _lrnConf(self, card):
diff --git a/tests/test_sched.py b/tests/test_sched.py
index 20ba958e6..b19f813f0 100644
--- a/tests/test_sched.py
+++ b/tests/test_sched.py
@@ -1095,3 +1095,24 @@ def test_resched():
     c.load()
     assert c.due == d.sched.today+1
     assert c.ivl == +1
+
+def test_norelearn():
+    d = getEmptyDeck()
+    # add a note
+    f = d.newNote()
+    f['Front'] = u"one"
+    d.addNote(f)
+    c = f.cards()[0]
+    c.type = 2
+    c.queue = 2
+    c.due = 0
+    c.factor = 2500
+    c.reps = 3
+    c.lapses = 1
+    c.ivl = 100
+    c.startTimer()
+    c.flush()
+    d.reset()
+    d.sched.answerCard(c, 1)
+    d.sched._cardConf(c)['lapse']['delays'] = []
+    d.sched.answerCard(c, 1)