diff --git a/tmk_core/protocol/chibios/chibios.c b/tmk_core/protocol/chibios/chibios.c
index 5ba21b3f8e..41752b2130 100644
--- a/tmk_core/protocol/chibios/chibios.c
+++ b/tmk_core/protocol/chibios/chibios.c
@@ -140,6 +140,8 @@ void protocol_setup(void) {
     // chThdCreateStatic(waThread1, sizeof(waThread1), NORMALPRIO, Thread1, NULL);
 }
 
+static host_driver_t *driver = NULL;
+
 void protocol_pre_init(void) {
     /* Init USB */
     usb_event_queue_init();
@@ -149,8 +151,6 @@ void protocol_pre_init(void) {
     setup_midi();
 #endif
 
-    host_driver_t *driver = NULL;
-
     /* Wait until USB is active */
     while (true) {
 #if defined(WAIT_FOR_USB)