I typically have to run readiness cycle a couple times... More IMPORTANTLY since the my 1997 993 suffers from the P1411/P0410 SAI issue, and have noticed over the years that when the readiness cycle is complete and car is ready for SMOG, I have been at the SMOG station and the engine light comes on.
It took a while but I figured out that it usually happens when I let some time between getting the car ready and taking it to SMOG.
For example, if I take it the next day and let it idle on the bench (a bit too long) the Engine light will eventually come on, and I'm back at square 1.
So now when the car is ready for smog I go directly there. My understanding is that SAI test runs when the car is cold and at low RPM (that's why the readiness cycle has you sit at idle at the beginning), but I believe it also runs when it does repeated self checks, so to avoid having it run during self check, I make sure to keep RPMs high (over 2000) all the way to the SMOG test. I also don't turn the engine off (you've got to know your mechanic for that).
I hope this helps.

 

I have the same (permanent) P1411/P0410, SAI codes in my '97, yet legally passed emissions for 6 years with those faults. How? Read about it here. It took some time to develop (and practice) the drive that allowed me to reliably do this (summarized in post #1) , but the principal is simple:
1) Clear your CEL.
2) Drive until you set the minimum # of monitors required by your state (3 everywhere except CA which requires 4) ------ WITHOUT ONE OF THEM BEING THE SAI TEST.
3) Get tested

If the SAI test doesn't complete, it can't trip the CEL and you will pass. That's it.
I practiced the drive referenced in the link dozens of times and found I could reliably set the CAT, HTR and EVAP monitors every single time in my '97. The key is that SAI monitor wasn't allowed to complete.

For '97's this drive can be done in 45 minutes the day of the emissions test and only requires two ~20 minute "normal" drives on the highway, without any special attention to RPMs. gear, etc. I just drove 60-70 mph. If you're in CA, you'll need 4 monitors to complete (any 4), but the principal is the same: clear your CEL, drive until you get 4 monitors to complete without one of them being the SAI test.

My car is now exempt, so don't have to worry about it any more. Hoping this helps others avoid hours under their cars drilling out SAI ports.

 

The CA emissions test requires the SAI test be completed and the monitor set. The EVAP test isn't required.

 

Please share your reference. California Bureau of Automotive Repair says otherwise