diff --git a/makefiles/features_modules.inc.mk b/makefiles/features_modules.inc.mk
index a903aad5e1..bf81715dc1 100644
--- a/makefiles/features_modules.inc.mk
+++ b/makefiles/features_modules.inc.mk
@@ -97,3 +97,10 @@ USEMODULE += $(filter vdd_lc_filter_%,$(FEATURES_USED))
 
 # select arduino_pwm pseudomodule if the corresponding feature is used
 USEMODULE += $(filter arduino_pwm, $(FEATURES_USED))
+
+# always register a peripheral driver as a required feature when the corresponding
+# module is requested
+PERIPH_IGNORE_MODULES += periph_usbdev_clk periph_gpio_mock periph_gpio_linux
+ifneq (,$(filter periph_%,$(DEFAULT_MODULE)))
+  FEATURES_REQUIRED += $(filter-out $(PERIPH_IGNORE_MODULES),$(filter periph_%,$(USEMODULE)))
+endif