diff --git a/tests/test_variables.py b/tests/test_variables.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a5c8302
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_variables.py
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+# (C) Copyright 2024 European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
+# This software is licensed under the terms of the Apache Licence Version 2.0
+# which can be obtained at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.
+# In applying this licence, ECMWF does not waive the privileges and immunities
+# granted to it by virtue of its status as an intergovernmental organisation
+# nor does it submit to any jurisdiction.
+
+from anemoi.transform.variables import Variable
+
+
+def test_variables():
+    z500 = Variable.from_dict("z500", {"mars": {"param": "z", "levtype": "pl", "levelist": 500}})
+
+    assert z500.is_pressure_level()
+    assert z500.level() == 500
+
+    msl = Variable.from_dict("msl", {"mars": {"param": "msl", "levtype": "sfc"}})
+
+    assert not msl.is_pressure_level()
+    assert msl.level() is None
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    for name, obj in list(globals().items()):
+        if name.startswith("test_") and callable(obj):
+            print(f"Running {name}...")
+            obj()