when can kids get out of car seat

Short answer: not the moment they learn to undo the buckle with smug little fingers.

In Australia, under 6 months must be rear-facing; from 6 months to under 4 they must use an approved rear- or forward-facing seat with a harness.

From 4 to under 7, it’s a booster with a properly fastened lap-sash or child harness, and they stay in the back seat unless it’s already full of under-7s.

At 7 years and up they can use an adult seat belt only when it fits correctly—ideally keep them in a booster until they pass the “5-step” belt-fit test (often around 145 cm).

Rules are nationally consistent but there are small state nuances, so check your local road authority; and yes, the back seat remains the safest spot.